Death: It's Not Just for Adult Sea Lions

​Dozens of sick and starving sea lion pups are washing up on Southern
California shores. Many have not survived. Meanwhile, researchers have cast a wider net for causes of adult sea lion cancer deaths.None of the baby sea lions filling rescue centers--including Pacific Marine Mammal Center in Laguna Beach that has treated 27 thin and hungry pups since December--would be mistaken for the healthy flapper above.

"We saw a large number of starvations at the end of last year," saidRichard Evans, a veterinarian who was treating sick sea lions at the
Laguna Beach center Thursday. "Pups from that group are now out on
their own, and they can't find anything to eat."

Twelve pups were being treated Thursday, nine of them in critical condition.

Meanwhile, after 14 years of trying to figure out what is causing large numbers of sea lions to suffer terminal cancer, scientists have zeroed in on viruses, PCBs in the water and genetics.

"Years of
study have led researchers to think the answer lies not with any one
culprit, but with several," the New YorkTimes reports.

Tumors have been found in sick sea lions' genitals, lymph nodes, lower spine, kidneys,
liver and lungs during post-mortem examinations.